USA´s Iberia Insiders since 1998

Introduction to Portugal

“My family came over from Portugal generations ago and finally we went back…thanks to your planning and guides this was a fantastic trip….Loved Lisbon, Obidos, Porto and Sintra and now I see why my Granfather was missing Portugal all those years”

– Paul & Mariana G., Boston, MA

Many world travelers believe that Portugal is unfairly overlooked, if you do this private Portuguese tour we are sure you will agree. Your Portugal adventure starts in the historic wine city Porto known for it´s blend of baroque and a bit of modern architecture. Porto combines well with medieval Obidos and multiple charms of beautiful coastal capital of Lisbon. Read on below for more….

Portugal, the land of enchantment.

So in Oporto, we suggest dining on the river front and at our favorite gourmet place on the Atlantic coast. Along with unique art and architecture, Oprto is one of Europe’s historic wine capitols.

Port wine is most famous but in the last decade there has been a surge in the quality and quantity of classic red wines and some whites of northern Portugal. So wine lovers can enjoy local Port winery tasting visits or red wine excursions up the Douro river valley. Then on to the charming walled medieval town of Obidos, once a wedding gift to the queen of Portugal. Then continue south to enchanting Lisbon.

Highlights of Lisbon for this private travel program, include contrast of exotic historic architecture with the upscale Lapa and Bairro Alto neighborhoods, historic bohemian Alfama area, Belem Tower, fine art, a plethora of shops and artisan studios with azulejo tiles, colonial Asian-influenced furniture antiques, unique rugs, gourmet items & wines, silver & gold and fine linens to name a few. Of course you can’t miss a Fado performance in the old town.

The signature yellow streetcars still chug up and down the many hills of this ancient coastal capital city of Lisbon. There is also a diverse cuisine scene now so you can enjoy taste that harken back to Portugal’s African, Brazilian and Asian colonial past in top restaurants. For those who want to branch out a bit we suggest Sintra. On a memorable private day trip you can enjoy enthralling designs of the palaces, mansions, gardens and tiny lanes in historic Sintra, a traditional retreat of the Portuguese nobility from the summer heat of Lisbon. Your trip ends with a private transfer to Lisbon’s international airport, some 7 hours from New York.

Summary of our Intro to Portugal private trip:

Alternatively, Barcelona also combines well with southern Spain´s Andalucia which includes Seville & Granada, the Basque Country or Madrid and Extremadura.

Among the enriching options on your private custom Barcelona and Beyond adventure are:

Experience Porto, Obidos, Lisbon & Sintra

Passion of winemakers & live fado performance

Discover UNESCO World Heritage sites

Chauffeured exclusive transfers in route

Hand-picked central upscale hotels

Tasting fine Portuguese wines, olive oils & cheeses

Historic and modern art & architectural

dinner reservations in top local restaurants

Optional excursion to Sintra

Optional cruise in Douro river

Optional wine touring from Porto

Optional cooking class in Lisbon

About “Limited Edition Trip” Reservations:

This memorable Introduction to Portugal 7 day custom adventure is offered on a limited edition basis by request on a first “reserve first serve basis” for your private group of 4or more persons (There is no maximum). Our Portuguese private travel adventures are handled in conjunction with our experienced travel colleagues based in Lisbon. To offer our valued customers more peace of mind & service while traveling, we accept just three private trips at a time. For extra customer care, on certain dates a Magical Spain partner can personally guide all or part of your trip. Please contact us ASAP for availability for your private Portugal trip to remember.Experience the tradition, beauty and heritage of Europe’s most famous walking pilgrimage trail, el Camino de Santiago.